The history of the first locomotives in America. From original ...

153
HISTORY OF THE FIRST LOCOMOTIVES IN AMERICA.
own pumps—if it did not afterward cha^s'e to the left and remain
there until the three cars led off a country-dance Before it.
Never
did reviewing general present a more warlike front to troops pass-
ing on line of march than did this same knight-errant,
' clad in his
iron-bound armor.' As each car came in front, it gave us three
whiffs of steam in acknowledgment that the compliment to our
company was felt and appreciated. Never were the three ruffles
of the drum more gratifying to my feelings when military ardor
« fired my breast.' On our return, it again headed the column.
We came to Sans-Souci in quick and double-quick time. Here we
stopped to take up a recruiting-party—darted forth like a live
rocket, scattering sparks and flames on either side— passed over
three salt-water creeks, hop, step, and jump, and landed us aU safe
at the Lines before any of us had time to determine whether or
not it was prudent to be scared. It beats the Dumb Chess-Player
all hollow. Your obedient servant,
"Jockey of Toek."
One more account of the performances of tte " Best
Friend," and we will leave her mmning upon tlie rail-
road? in her daily routine of duty.
These extracts, from one of the most respectable
journals of the time, will tend to prove that as early as
the months of November and December, 1830, and
January, 1831, the " Best Friend " was in existence, and
running upon the South Carolina Eailroad
From the Charleston Courier, January 17, 1831.
" On Saturday last, the first ar^niversary of the commencement
of the railroad was celebrated. Notice having been previously
given, inviting the stockholders, about one hundred and fifty as-
sembled in the course of the morning at the company's building
in Line Street, together with a number of invited guests. The
weather the day and night previous had been stormy, and the
morning was cold and cloudy. Anticipating a postponement of
the ceremonies, the locomotive-engine ' Best Friend, of Charleston,'
had been taken to pieces for cleaning, but upon the assembling of
the company she was put in order, the cylinders new packed, and
at the word, the apparatus ready for movement. The first trip
Digitized by Microsoft®
: